Meet the team - Kenya Literature Bureau

THEDECEMBER 2015

THE JOURNEY OF GROWTH

www.klb.co.keOnline edition

SPECIAL FEATURE:Micere Mugo’s

home away from home

STRATEGY:Publishing desk turns

the tech page

Meet the team

MISSION STATEMENTTo publish and print quality educational and knowledge materials at affordable prices, whilst promoting excellent authorship and creating customer and shareholder value.

OUR CORE VALUES• Superior Customer Service• Transparency and Accountability• Competency• Integrity• Innovation

OUR QUALITY POLICYKenya Literature Bureau is committed to and shall always endeavour to reach the highest level of quality in publishing and printing educational and knowledge materials as stipulated by the ISO 9001 : 2008.

WE WILL

• Comply with regulatory and statutory requirements.

• Continually improve the effectiveness of our Management Systems.

• Achieve and ensure that our customers receive the highest quality service.

• As a team, be guided by strict adherence to laid down procedures and strive to be competitive and independent; and will protect and uphold our customers’ interests without compromising the quality standards set.

Our quality objectives shall be established and reviewed at the regular management review meetings.

OUR VISIONTo be the leading publisher and printer of quality knowledge materials.

2 Editorial3 MDs Message4 Micere Mugo’s home away from home6 Thank you, say leaders, for school books12 The journey of growth19 Kikamba Bible rises from original Greek20 Mwalo: Book lover who served for 42 years at KLB23 Publishing desk turns the tech page25 A cut above the rest in print and binding tech26 How to get the best from school28 KLB donates E-Books to Mama Sarah Obama

Library30 Customer experience will drive future business31 Union workers get salary raise in new CBA32 KLB scales up environmental conservation

campaign34 Procurement automation gives KLB an edge35 Sales and marketing reloaded

CONTENTS

Published by:KENYA LITERATURE BUREAUP. O. Box 30022-00100, NairobiPopo Road, Off Mombasa Road,Tel: +254 20 3541196/7, 0711 318 188Fax: +254 20 6001474e-mail - [email protected]: www.klb.co.ke

Inside this Issue...

Publishing for YOU

All correspondence to the Corporate Services Manager,

Kenya Literature BureauP. O. Box 30022 - 00100, Nairobi.

Tel: 254 20 3541196/7, 0711 318 188Email: [email protected]

Website: www.klb.co.ke

EDITORIAL TEAM

Publication Coordinator: Job Idaki Managing Editor: Diana Olenja Editor: Joseph Ndegwa Design & Layout: KLB Graphics Photography: Joseph Ndegwa, Bernard Kibui Contributions: Mary Khasiani, Bernard Obura, Jackson Musau, Phillip Cheruiyot, Diana Olenja, Isaac Korir, Joseph Emojong, Chris Okumu, Joseph Ndegwa.

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We welcome articles or any feedback from readers on education and publishing. Please include your name, address and telephone number. Letters/articles may be edited for clarity and space.

E-mail: [email protected]

EDITORIAL

It has been a great year for Kenya Literature Bureau, scoring firsts on many fronts. In this issue of The Publisher, we bring you the turnaround story of KLB, rising from a challenging past to become a shining jewel under the

Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. In several interviews held by The Publisher, the story is told of a commitment by the Board, management and staff that has sustained its forward momentum in growth and profitability.

Publishing manager, Mrs. Mary Khasiani, has spoken on the new developments in her department, giving the reader an insight into how technology is driving book design and layout processes. The Sales and Marketing, and Production managers have also shared on the contributions of their portfolio to the development of the Bureau.

Recently, literary scholar and human rights crusader, Prof Micere Mugo spoke at Riara University about her journey, in a riveting public lecture titled, Home away from home: A biographical sketch (working in the diaspora; working within the context of the African-American – African-African dialogue). It was attended by many leaders, scholars, students and ordinary wananchi and we have a brief on it.

We invite you for more on the environment, e-books, procurement and the launch of the Kikamba Bible, the first translation of its kind by an African from original Greek.Enjoy!

Joseph Ndegwa

D ec 2015 w w w.klb.co.ke | 3

printing has expanded in the region. KLB has offered opportunities for

staff training to upgrade their skills and enrich our human resource in the fast-changing business landscape. We have upgraded our printing press to meet the growing demands of institutional printing and county jobs. We recently acquired a computer-to-plate machine, a sewing machine and a new print-on-demand machine. These are investments that will take the business a notch higher.

Technologies, built on vast amounts of data and cloud-based software and processing, are leading us into new product areas and business models in both business-to-business and consumer markets. More resources have been channelled towards e-publishing and the returns, so far, give us the promise of a better future.

We reaffirm our commitment to the investment and expansion of business as originally envisioned, and have Board support for the strategic objectives to sustainably grow this organization. I share the optimism of our Board of Management for a bright future.

MD’s NOTE

Mrs. Eve A. Obara, MBSManaging Director

his has been a good year. Our business has grown, our profit

margins increased and KLB has earned a greater market share in the pre-school, primary and secondary market segments.

It comes against the backdrop of increased investment, market strategy, team-work and also the invaluable support of the Board of Management in ensuring the objectives of the 2010-2015 Strategic Plan, which we are about to retire, are achieved.

I wish to single out our customers and staff for keeping us in business. Because of their efforts, among others, our stake in publishing and

Let us do common things “uncommonly well”

As we work towards rolling out the 2016-2020 Strategic Plan, I am confident that the forward momentum we’ve created is not going to change. I continue to cherish and celebrate KLB’s unique principles, values and business model. We have built an organization and a culture that we are going to stay true to – it is in our DNA.

We shall continue to develop the best products in the market that satisfy our customers and make us all proud of what we do.

Focus must remain on adding value to our stakeholders, customers, suppliers and staff, by providing quality service across-the-board. I believe in KLB and I am looking forward to seeing an organization that will sustain itself for generations to come. Let’s grasp the future with both hands to leave a legacy by doing common things uncommonly well.


“Wananchi!” the lady at the podium called and the crowd roared back “Yo!” as she weaved her story to the attentive audience that filled the open auditorium at Riara University.

Located along Mbagathi Way, and lapped between the residential houses and a footbridge, Riara attracted scholars, literature enthusiasts, publishers and students, when second liberation champion and academician, Micere Mugo, gave a riveting lecture on the afternoon of June 4, 2015 on A home away from home: A biographical sketch (working in the diaspora; working within the context of the African-American – African-African dialogue).

A renowned poet, playwright, novelist, literary critic and socio-political activist who is widely read, Prof Mugo captivated her audience

with her life story, coming from a humble background at the slopes of Mount Kenya to a fighter in the trenches of the liberation struggle and now a public figure known across the world.

Her narrative was gripping, her cheeks dimpled with a permanent smile on her face as she spoke of her experience at home and in exile, particularly in the United States, where she has worked for the last 22 years, lecturing at Syracuse University’s Department of African American Studies.

Prof Mugo has worked across continents. She retired from the American university in April, 2015 and returned home in early June for a lecture tour, around the same time Ngugi Wa Thiong’o, with whom she

MICERE MUGO’S HOME AWAY FROM HOME

OUR AUTHOR

Renowned literature scholar and human rights crusador Professor Micere Mugo

By Joseph Ndegwa

“Home - a warm place in which we belong, a space that facilitates

connection, connection with the past, a place where there is history, a history we associate

with.” Micere Mugo


OUR AUTHOR

teamed up to pen The Trial of Dedan Kimathi in 1976, returned to Nairobi to celebrate 50 years of literary development.

During the lecture, Prof Mugo began by reading a poem — The beautiful ones were born — from her book, My Mother’s Poem and Other Stories craftfully engaging her audience in the recitation. The poem, she says was inspired by her two daughters, Mumbi and the late Njeri (who died in 2012 after a brave battle with ovarian cancer), and an answer to Ghanaian writer Ayi Kweyi Armah’s book, The Beautiful Ones Are Not Yet Born.

Prof Mugo explained the concept of home, defining it as “a warm place in which we belong, a space that facilitates connection – connection with the past, a place where there is history — a history we associate with.”

An alumnus of Limuru Girls High School (1960), Makerere University, University of New Brunswick in

Canada, and the University of Nairobi, Mugo has published several books, including Daughter of My People Sing, which was published by East African Literature Bureau (today’s KLB) as a student at Makerere. Other publications done at KLB include The Long Illness of Ex-Chief Kiti and Visions of Africa, both titles address issues of positive nationality and hope, and working

for a social system that delivers equity.

The public lecture was attended by among others, the Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, founder of Riara University, Prof Eddah Gachukia, Moi University chancellor, Prof Miriam Were, former JKUAT vice chancellor, Prof Ratemo Michieka, former Chief Secretary, Jeremiah Kiereini and Prof. Wanjiku Kabira of the University of Nairobi’s Literature Department.

Kenya Literature Bureau staff who attended were Olivia Opere, regional sales manager – Nairobi, Joseph Ndegwa and Bernard Kibui both from the PR section.

Dr Willy Mutunga (second right), Jeremiah Kiereini (second left) and Dr Murigo Kiereini (centre) among other guests follow the address.

Prof. Micere Mugo receives a bouqet of flowers from Kenya Literature Bureau Regional Sales Manager - Nairobi, Olivia Opere.


Giving back, is part of Kenya Literature Bureau’s good corporate citizenship model

aimed at meeting the broad goal of contributing to the lives of communities and society where it operates.

Through Imarisha Kimasomo initiative, KLB is looking ahead of its own growth and that of the economy, and has been donating books to schools. In doing so, it has partnered with leaders to reach out to schools in rural villages, creating and stocking libraries to spur a reading culture among children.

Many primary and secondary schools in the counties received books from KLB, thanks to this initiative. From Isiolo in the North to Kajiado in the South, Mt Elgon in the West to Tana River in the East, KLB is in contact with the people through their leaders. In six months, Members of Parliament and Senators have collected books for institutions in their regions.

THANK YOU say leaders for library books

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BOOK DONATION

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1. Meru Senator, Kiraitu Murungi and KLB Managing Director, Mrs Eve Obara at the Bureau’s headquarters. 2. Mandera Senator, Billow Kerrow (centre) shares a light moment with Corporate Services Manager, Job Idaki (second left), Acting Human Resources Manager, Roselyne Mugavana (right), Administration Manager, Loise Muteti (left) and Senior Communication Officer, Joseph Ndegwa at KLB headquarters. 3. Trans Nzoia County MP, Hon Janet Nangabo Wanyama (second left) receives a KLB information pack from Publishing Manager, Mary Khasiani, as Business Development Manager, Evans Nyachieng’a (left) and Corporate Services Manager, Job Idaki (right) look on.

By Joseph Ndegwa


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BOOK DONATION

84. Kilifi Senator, Justice (rtd) Steward Madzayo (left) receives an information pack from KLB Corporate Services Manager, Job Idaki. 5. Budalangi MP Hon Ababu Namwamba and KLB Managing Director, at KLB headquarters.6. Nominated Senator, Mvita Mshenga (left) receives an information pack from KLB Assistant Publishing Manager, Kenneth Jumba.7. Lafey Consituency MP, Hon Isaac Ali Shaaban and KLB Managing Director.

8. Tharaka Nithi Deputy Governer, Eliud Mati with KLB’s Business Development Manager, Evans Nyachieng’a.9. KLB MD receives Keiyo North MP, Hon. Dr James Murgor (centre) and his P.A. Raymond Mebur.10. Nominated Senator, Godliver Omondi is received by KLB Assistant Publishing Manager, Kenneth Jumba. 11. Suna West MP, Hon Joseph Ndiege and KLB MD.

In our visitors book, Mary Seneta, Kajiado County Women Representative pledged her support urging leaders to support schools and consider establishing “mobile libraries especially in the remote parts of the country.”

Nominated MPs, Bishop Robert Mutemi Mutua, Isaac Mwaura and Senator Godliver Omondi lauded KLBs efforts to support schools for the disabled across the country. “Thank you for the good work, your donation has come at a very appropriate time,” Bishop Mutua wrote.

From the Coast, Kwale County Women Representative, Zainab Chidzuga thanked KLB, saying “Education is the pillar of knowledge in the society. Let’s join efforts to promote education, skills and capacity-build our girls and youth for the future of this country. Keep it up, you are doing a lot for our schools.”

Emmanual Talam, a communications director at the office of the Deputy President expressed his “pleasure being where there are books of knowledge” when he visited KLB.

These are but some of the many voices of “thank you” KLB has received from the beneficiaries of the book donation campaign, with many schools promising to improve students’ performance, including in National examinations, which largely determine how far one can go in ones career.

KLB sees itself as an institution creating economic value. Shared value is the gamut of the Bureau’s philanthropic and environmental initiatives. It not only donates books, but also sponsors teacher seminars, where authors and book editors are

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BOOK DONATION

12. Mumias West MP, Hon Johnson Naicca (right) with KLB Public Relations Manager, Diana Olenja. 13. Magarini MP, Hon Mwalimu Harry Kombe and KLB MD, Mrs Eve Obara. 14. Mandera East MP, Hon Abdulaziz Ali Farah (left) and KLB Corporate Services Manager, Job Idaki. 15. Matayos Constituency MP, Geoffrey Odanga (right) and KLB MD, Mrs Eve Obara. 16. Wajir County Senator, Halima Abdille Mohamud receives an information pack from KLB Corporate Services Manager, Job Idaki. 17. Nyaribari Masaba MP, Hon Elijah Moindi and KLB MD, Mrs Eve Obara.


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18. Wajir West MP, Hon Abdikadir Ore (left) with KLB MD. 19. Laikipia West MP, Hon Dr Wachira Karani (right) and KLB MD. 20. Isiolo County MP, Hon Tiya Galgalo Ali (right) receives an information pack from KLB MD. 21. Malindi Constituency MP, Hon Dan Kazungu (right) and KLB Public Relations Manager, Diana Olenja 22. Saboti Constituency MP, Hon David Wafula Wekesa and KLB MD. 23. Meru County First Lady, Phoebe Munya and KLB MD, Mrs Eve Obara. 24. Kwale County MP, Hon Zainab Chidzuga (left) and KLB MD.

25. Bomachoge Chache Constituency MP, Hon Simon Ogari (right) and KLB MD at the Bureau’s headquarters in South C.

26. KLB MD and nominated Senator, Daisy Kanainza Nyongesa.

invited to speak to teachers, giving them new tips to better understand and unpack the curriculum to learners.

Such seminars also offer opportunity for subject teachers to learn new ways of imparting knowledge in class and network with their counterparts in the regions.

KLB believes that societal improvement is an essential measure of business performance and will continue championing right causes to uplift education for all children in Kenya.


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27. Embakasi West MP, Hon George Theuri (right) receives an information pack from KLB Publishing Manager, Mrs Mary Khasiani.

28. Kirinyaga Senator, Daniel Karaba (centre) receives an information pack from KLB Managing Director (left) as Publishing Manager, Mary Khasiani looks on.

29. Nominated Senator, Martha Wangari and KLB MD at the Bureau’s headquarters.

30. The Chief Librarian of Karatina University, Peninnah Musangi and KLB Managing Director.

31. KLB MD (left) receives Wajir County First Lady Mrs Rukia Mohamed during the book donation exercise.

32. West Pokot First Lady, Josephine Kachapin (centre), Head of Budget, Priscillah Mungo (right) and KLB MD.

33. Subukia MP, Hon Nelson Ribithi Gaichuhie at KLB headquarters in Nairobi.

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34. Wajir North MP, Hon Ibrahim Abdi Sarey (right) receives a KLB information pack from the Managing Director .

35. KLB MD and Nominated Senator, Catherine Mukite at the Bureau’s headquarters in Nairobi.

36. Isiolo nominated Senator, Fatuma Dulo and KLB MD.

37. Tana River Senator, Ali Abdi Bule (left) and KLB Corporate Services Manager, Job Idaki.

38. Kangema MP, Hon Tirus Ngahu with KLB Public Relations Manager, Diana Olenja

39. Mvita MP, Abdulswamad Nassir (third left), receives a KLB information pack from Public Relations Manager Diana Olenja. KLB E-books Chief Editor, Kulamo Bullo (third right), Chief Editor Technical Subjects, Onesmus Nzamba (left), Asst Publishing Manager, Kenneth Jumba (second right) and Coast Regional Sales Manager, Shukrani Kuzi (extreme right) look on.



identified and addressed critical challenges, reduced overhead expenses, improved gross margins, embraced quality and improved management systems,” she adds.

The managing director says that embarking on the journey of growth required a team that was committed to boosting the confidence of workers, customers and stakeholders and changing the image of trouble to that of trust and confidence.

That is how KLB started operations re-engineering and rebranding that sought to save costs, support innovation, appeal more to the market and to ensure that the company was well positioned as the publisher and printer of choice.

As a result, it was recognized that motivating staff and putting them in their career paths was critical to a promising take-off. Mrs Obara says: “I lead a team of staff who understand our mission, vision and are firmly focused on what we do.” KLB has invested in development of its staff, encouraged creativity and tapped into their rich reservoir of ideas.

Increased profits, a wider asset base and high tax and dividend pay-outs to the Government have been the results of the revamp, she told The Publisher, and added that

Mrs Eve Obara, the Kenya Literature Bureau (KLB) managing director, says

“change is real” in her assessment of the growth cycle of a publishing firm, which started as East African Literature Bureau (EALB) in 1947.

In a series of interviews with employees at KLB, the story of the

State publishing firm is a story of turnaround. Mrs Obara continually reminds her staff that the company has transformed from “a basket case to a showcase.”

By the time she was taking over as the managing director end of March 2007, KLB had challenges

that the first workshop on the 2004-2009 Strategic Plan,

recommended downsizing and closing down the printing

press due to financial constraints. Together with the Board of Management, a decision was made to retain the staff and redouble efforts to

grow the business. “I realised early

that change happens when a leader provides direction and remains committed to a cause,” Mrs Obara says. “We, therefore,

TRANSFORMATION

The Journey of Growth

By Joseph Ndegwa

Meet the team


KLB understands its market and how to serve its customers. KLB has embarked on regional expansion with successful operations in Uganda.

“Out of the thousands of titles in our stock, several are in vernacular, print and digitized form and are available in the local and international markets through Amazon.com, eKitabu and the World Reader.”

Her team members concur that KLB is on its way up.

Patricia Munee Muiysio, a printing supervisor, says the MD “is a leader without excuses. She certainly brought the best out of us and she knows just how to do that. KLB is now the envy of many in the industry.”

While acknowledging the strides KLB has made, Caleb Kadasia, the

Head of Composing (Typesetting and Proof Reading), Proofreading, who has served the Bureau for more than 32 years, points out that Mrs Obara had a vision for something bigger and greater, making her “always uncomfortable with the status quo.”

Mrs Mary Khasiani, the KLB publishing manager, says as MD, Mrs Obara has ensured the company attains its commercial, operational, financial and strategic goals.

“Together with the team, she has turned around KLB from a struggling organization to a billion mark Company,” says Julius Aritho, the Internal Audit manager.

“We support schools and communities through the ‘Imarisha Kimasomo’ campaign, which stocks and upgrades libraries through donations of books and other

educational materials,” says Mrs Obara.

KLB became the first indigenous publisher to be awarded ISO 9001 certification in Kenya and to produce e-books with local content. Recently, KLB was ranked the third best run and most consistent State Corporation in performance contracting.

“Under the leadership of Mrs Obara, the Bureau has maintained its structured and disciplined investment strategies by acquiring new press machines, motor vehicles and IT systems that have improved company performance and earned it a name in the region,” says Francis Mutunga, the Finance manager.

“The idea to cut costs and embark on an aggressive sales strategy has worked. We are now able to buy machines and motor vehicles from

Members of the KLB Board and Management staff They have immensely contributed to the turnaround of the Bureau

TRANSFORMATION


our savings,” says Aritho.Sebastian Mbogo says Mrs Obara

is a mentor and a role model. “Many people, who have passed through her hands, have transited to hold senior positions of responsibility in other organizations, both private and public.”

“She is a role model not only to staff, but to the nation. We have been

county governments among its clients, a step that has strengthened its financial position.

In five years, the company’s gross profit has grown by 78.2% from 99.2 million in 2009/2010 to 176.8 million in 2014/2015 while the annual turnover rose by 77% from 996.2 million to 1.76 billion within the same period. Internal

has been perfected over the years in “my various interactions, both at home and at work.”

Mrs Obara, who holds a Master of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Illinois in the US, wants to be remembered for having “championed the financial turnaround and transformation of KLB into a market leader.” Change management and organizational development, strategic planning and implementation, talent and knowledge management, performance and quality standards management, leadership and governance are some of her areas of experience and vast knowledge.

She is a Council member of the lobby, Kenya Publishers Association (KPA) and is engaged in philanthropy, supporting girl child education and women empowerment initiatives. She also sits in several school boards.

In 2008, Mrs Obara was awarded the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS), a recognition of Kenyans who contribute to humanity in their fields of specialisation. She is also a recipient of the MSK Warrior Award, 2010 for innovation in industry and the Girl-Child Crusader Award, 2010 by the Ministry of Education. Widowed early, she is a mother of three grown children, two sons and a daughter.

“I am driven by the desire to mentor young people, change lives and leave a legacy of commitment to public service,” she told The Publisher, while thanking the board, management and staff for their support.

“Let us all embrace the spirit of selfless service”, she said.

motivated to do better as individual members of a team and that is why KLB is recognised as home of performers,” says Mrs Muisyo.

Chege Muriaguri, a print production officer, who has worked at KLB since 1982 says Mrs Obara saved employees from the chopping board at a time when the Board and management had considered sending some staff on early retirement. “She cares for workers, she has a heart for people,” says Mr Muriaguri.

The Bureau has diversified its revenue streams and now has

production volumes rose from 1.5 million in 2010/2011 to 5.3 million books in 2014/2015, while net assets grew from Ksh1.48billion to Ksh2.35billion in 2014/2015.

During her tenure, KLB has maintained sound industrial relations and was recently recategorised from PC7C to PC7A in the commercial/manufacturing functional categorization of State corporations as a result of impressive company performance and growth.

“I am guided by the philosophy of adding value,” says the managing director, adding that this approach

President Uhuru Kenyatta, the Commander In Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, gives a souvenir copy of the Operation Linda Nchi book to the Kenya Literature Bureau Managing Director, Mrs Eve Obara, as General Julius Karangi, the former Chief of KDF, looks on.

TRANSFORMATION


Mrs Eve ObaraManaging Director/CEO

Mrs Serah NdegeChairman

Mrs Leah RotichAlternate - Ministry of Education

Science & Technology

Ms Cheryl Majiwa Alternate - National Treasury

Mrs Elizabeth MwongeraMember

Mrs Dorothy OpondoMember

Mr Robert Mbato Member

Mr Vitalis AwuorMember

Prof Jesse MugambiMember

Board of ManagementTRANSFORMATION


Mrs Eve Obara, MBSManaging Director/CEO

Mr Job IdakiCorporate Services Manager

Mr Bernard OburaSales & Marketing Manager

Mr Francis MutungaFinance Manager

Mrs Roselyne MugavanaAg Human Resources Manager

Mr Julius ArithoInternal Audit Manager

Mrs Mary KhasianiPublishing Manager

Mr Evans Nyachieng’aBusiness Development Manager

Mr Isaac KorirCustomer Service Centre Manager

Mr Benard MilewaLegal Services Manager

Mr Joseph OmojongAg Production Manager

Mr Philip CheruiyotSupply Chain Manager

Mr Jackson MusauQuality Assurance Manager

Top ManagementTRANSFORMATION


1 Eve Obara (Mrs) - Managing Director 2 Mary Khasiani (Mrs) - Publishing Manager 3 Bernard Obura - Sales & Marketing Manager 4 Julius Aritho - Internal Audit Manager 5 Job Idaki - Corporate Services Manager 6 Francis Mutunga - Finance Manager 7 Evans Nyachieng’a - Business Dev. Manager 8 Isaac Korir - Customer Service Manager 9 Joseph Emojong - Ag. Production Manager 10 Roselyne Mugavana - Ag. Human Resources

Manager 11 Jackson Musau - Quality Assurance Mgr 12 Phillip Cheruiyot - Supply Chain Manager 13 Robert Manaka - ICT Manager 14 Patrick Kyunguti - Chief Editor( Languages) 15 Diana Olenja - Public Relations Manager 16 Bernard Milewa - Legal Services Manager 17 Kenneth Jumba - Asst. Publishing Manager 18 Loise Muteti - Administration Manager 19 William Gombe - Asst. Finance Manager 20 David Afandi - Ag. Asst. Internal Audit

Manager 21 Vallary Okello (Ms) - Ag. Asst. Human Resources

Manager 22 Patrick Oyiengo - Ag. Asst. Production

Manager 23 David Mwaniki - Ag. Asst. Sales & Marketing

Manager 24 Cecilia Njoroge (Ms) - Chief Editor (Science

Books) 25 Mary Nthuku (Ms) - Warehouse Manager 26 Anne Mwanzia (Mrs) - Executive Secretary 27 Carol Mango (Ms)- Chief Editor (H/C.R.E books) 28 Fridah Simwa (Ms) - Chief Editor (Kiswahili) 29 Kulamo Bullo (Ms) - Chief Editor (E-Books) 30 Sylvance Obego - Asst. Manager (P) 31 Onesmus Nzamba - Chief Editor (Business) 32 Philip Kurgat - Senior Accountant I (GL) 33 John Mutungu - Senior Accountant 1 34 Emily Obonyo (Ms) - Senior Administrative

Officer 35 George Okore - Information Systems Business

Analyst 36 Kenneth Adongo - Senior Accountant

(Expenditure) 37 Louis Gitonga - Snr. Accountant Payroll 38 David Kimita - Senior Regional Sales Manager

39 Joseph Ndegwa - Senior Communications Officer40 Shukrani Kuzi - Senior Regional Sales Manager 41 Daniel Ondeng’e - Senior Regional Sales

Manager 42 Justine Koech - Senior Regional Sales

Manager 43 Robert Too - Senior Regional Sales Manager 44 Caroline Okoola - Asst. Supply Chain Manager 45 Audrey Cheruto - Senior Legal Officer 46 Douglas Nyakundi - Accountant I 47 Naomi Biator (Ms) - Senior Personal

Secretary 48 Janet Kimani (Mrs) - Internal Auditor I 49 Clive Bojo Kalama - Accountant I (Cost) 50 Daniel Chelang’a - Internal Auditor I 51 Fred Oriaro - Human Resources Officer I 52 Jackson Mutuku - Senior Editor (Chemistry/

Biology) 53 Hesbourne Omedo - Senior Editor(Maths/

Physics) 54 Caleb Kadasia - Senior Editorial Assistant (Pre-

Press) 55 Joseph Kitheka - Administration Officer I 56 Chege Muriagoro - Printing Production Officer I

(Printing) 57 John Oyando - Production Officer I

(Estimation) 58 Ngugi Kabugo - Senior Designer 59 Vivian Arawo - Regional Sales Manager60 Job Munialo - Regional Sales Manager 61 Olivia Opere (Ms) - Regional Sales Manager 62 Denish Matunga - Regional Sales Manager 63 Zachary Musengi - Adm. Officer I (Transport) 64 Evelyn Rutere (Ms) - Senior Personal

Secretary 65 Dominic Ntamo - Accountant 66 Grace Muriithi - Accountant I 67 Judith A. Odhiambo - Quality Assurance Officer 68 Michael Ouma - Warehouse Officer 69 Gideon Mjambili - Warehouse Officer 70 Benjamin Muriuki - Accountant 1 71 Susan Waigera (Ms) - Personal Secretary I 72 Alice Masese (Ms) - Personal Secretary I 73 Caroline Rotich (Mrs) - Accountant II 74 Sebastian Mbogo - Adm Officer II 75 Julius Chokera - Production Officer II (Bindery) 76 Gladys Sadera(Ms) - Senior Editor

77 Patricia Muisyo (Ms) - Production Officer II 78 Sarah Mutiso (Ms) - Personal Secretary I 79 Lewis Muriera - SystemsAdministrator 80 Kennedy Odego - Systems Administrator 81 John Ngare Tobias - Accountant II82 Christopher Okumu - Production Officer II

(Printing) 83 Bernard Odaba - Production Officer II 84 Laurainne Nyangisa (Ms) - Customer Service

Officer 85 Anthony Mithika - Regional Sales Manager II 86 Joel Okindo - Regional Sales Manager II 87 Noah Mulongo - Regional Sales Manager II 88 Vincent Tabuche - Snr. Records Mngt Officer 89 Patrick C. Kiprotich - Accountant II 90 Peninah Gachigi (Ms) - Editorial Assistant II91 Peter Wambua - Snr Machine Operator 92 Fredrick Morusoi - Editorial Assistant II 93 Phoebe Nyambura Chira (Mrs) - Snr M. Operator

(Bindery) 94 Julius Mugambi - Information Systems Assist. I95 Julius Kivuli - Information Systems Assist. I96 Eric Omundo - Information Systems Assist I 97 Kennedy Kilonzo - Admin. Assistant 98 George Masaku - Asst. Press (Electric) 99 Moses Minudi - Asst. Press Technician 100 John Ndalila - Senior Machine Opera (Bindery) 101 Alfred Moi - Senior Machine Operator

(Bindery) 102 Apolonia Anyango (Ms) - Supply Chain Asst. 103 Thomas Mwala - Snr M. Opera(Bindery) 104 Robert Manny - Print Production Officer II 105 Grace Gitiha (Ms) - Editorial Assistant II 106 Eunice Masengo(Ms) - Editorial Assistant I 107 Patricia Mureithi (Ms) - Senior Machine

Operator (Bindery) 108 Getrude Kageni (Ms)- Senior Machine Operator

(Bindery) 109 Edina Waliaula (Ms) - Senior Machine

Operator 110 Sheila Kadesa (Ms)- Human Resource Assistant 111 Elisha Kendo - Supply Chain Asst. 112 George Agembo - Supply Chain Asst. 113 Teresa Mayabi (Ms) - Senior Machine Operator 114 Nanies Karegi Mwiti (Ms) - Senior Machine

Operator 115 Marjoriey Mbaluka (Ms) - Customer Service Asst

The Team!TRANSFORMATION


116 Bernard Kibui - Admin Assistant (PR) 117 Christopher Ndungu - Admin Assistant

(Records) 118 Kakemia Livondo Karei - Admin Assistant 119 Francis Muriuki - Senior Machine Operator 120 Stanley Kuboka - Asst. Designer 121 Lilian Bosibori Obae - Admin Assistant

(Institutional Printing) 122 Joyce Muia Kithinji (Ms) - Secretary 123 Lydia Nkio (Ms) - Secretary 124 Josephine Litan (Ms) - Accounts Asst.(Rev) 125 Hariet Kamanu Kibwa (Ms) - Machine Operator

(Bindery) 126 Elidah Muthoni Chege (Ms) - Machine Operator

(Bindery) 127 Donald Mbaluku - Snr Clerical Officer (W/

House) 128 Peter C. Too - Snr Clerical Officer (Stores) 129 Francis Ngugi Kamau - Snr Clerical Officer (W/

House) 130 Jackson Mutai - Snr Clerical Officer (Registry) 131 Henry Gitonga Mwangi - Asst. Machine

Operator 132 Samuel Kibet Sang - Machine Operator

(Printing) 133 Stephen Kipkoech Langat - Machine Operator

(Printing) 134 Godfrey Biwott Yagan - Machine Operator

(Bindery) 135 Africanus Kush Busieka - Machine Operator

(Printing) 136 Juddy Chumba Chemweno (Ms) - Senior

Machine Operator (Pre-Press) 137 Margaret Mbevo (Ms) - Senior Clerical (Adm) 138 George Ouma - Senior Driver 139 Emily Nkonge (Ms) - Higher Clerical Officer

(Sales) 140 Carol Koech (Ms) - Senior Clerical Officer 141 Joyce Koech - Assistant Designer 142 Dorcus Okumu - Assistant Designer 143 Millicent Kaari (Ms) - Senior Clerical Officer 144 William Kiprotich Matutu - Senior Driver 145 Jared Ongola - Senior Driver 146 Cleophas Belio - Customer Service Asst 147 Felix Aron - Snr. Clerical Officer 148 Ntoruru Philip - Senior Driver

149 Geoffrey Bett - Snr Clearical Officer (Accounts) 150 Philgona Nyong’o (Ms) - Snr Clerical Officer 151 Jonathan Mulei Kailanya - Machine Operator 152 Regina Njeri Ng’ang’a (Ms) - Machine Operator 153 James Aseta - Machine Operator 154 Evelyne Jeptoo (Ms) - Machine Operator 155 Victor Madanji - Machine Operator 156 Ngulue Nzinga Ndisya - Machine Operator 157 George Mbago - Machine Operator 158 Ezekiel Kinyanzui - Machine Operator 159 Claire Diana Chacha (Ms) - Machine Operator 160 Christine Nyongesa Okumu (Ms) - Customer

Service Asst. 161 Mary Chepkoech Maina (Ms) - Senior Clerical

Officer 162 Hezekiel Adel - Machine Operator (Bindery) 163 Gladys Anita Mueni - Machine Operator

(Bindery) 164 Doris Kabira (Ms) - Customer Service Asst. 165 Michael Too - Machine Operator 166 Godfrey Chege Njihia - Asst. Machine Operator 167 Agnes Munene - Senior Office Assistant168 Wilfred Murage - Asst. Machine Operator 169 Edwin Kitale - Asst. Machine Operator 170 Wilson Sigilai - Asst. Machine Operator 171 Tom Muga - Higher Clerical Officer 172 Bavon Nyamweya - Higher Clerical Officer 173 Dennis Onsare - Higher Clerical 174 Stephen Bosek - Snr Office Assistant 175 Samuel Kipkoech Rutto - Asst. Machine Operator

(Bindery) 176 Nehemiah Bii - Asst. Machine Operator

(Bindery) 177 Margaret Wamuyu Kibira (Ms) - Asst. Machine

Operator (Bindery) 178 Florence Wanjiku Njoki (Ms) - Asst. Machine

Operator (Bindery) 179 David Saitoti Karei - Asst. Machine Operator

(Bindery) 180 Joseph Matata Kyenze - Asst. Machine Operator

(Printing) 181 Douglus Ernest Kithinji - Asst. Machine Operator

(Bindery) 182 Dominic Akech - Asst. Machine Operator

(Bindery)

183 Aggrey Nona Mwangala - Higher Clerical Officer (Registry)

184 Kenneth Karanja Maina - Higher Clerical Officer

185 Kimanthi Mutisya - Senior Office Asst. 186 Michael Baigiti - Senior Office Asst. 187 Albanus Muema - Driver 188 Stephen Karei Ololchoki - Senior Office Asst. 189 Francis Muoki - Assistant Machine Operator

(Bindery) 190 Constance Wetende Mwanza - Assistant

Machine Operator (Bindery) 191 Peninah Mbithe Maithya (Mrs) - Higher Clerical

Officer 192 Harris Ogada - Assistant Machine Opertor

(Bindery) 193 Joyce Muia (Mrs) - Senior Office Assistant 194 Maina Mwangi - Higher Clerical Officer 195 Dancun Gichuru - Higher Clerical Officer (Sales) 196 Stephen Kiprop - Higher Clerical Officer 197 Gladys Gacheri Muthaura (Ms) - Clerical

Officer 198 Nancy Korir (Ms) - Clerical Officer 199 Stephen Ngugi - Assistant Machine Operator 200 Ezekiel Bor - Asst. Machine Operator 201 Samwel Lintoh Karei - Clerical Officer 202 Francis Gikundi Karai - Clerical Officer 203 Weldon Bett - Clerical Officer 204 Elizabeth Mwikali (Ms) - Senior Office Assist. I 205 Dorice Ochong (Ms) - Office Assistant 206 John Ningo - Office Assistant 207 Lucy Chokera (Ms) - Clerical Officer 208 Lawrence Lerasim Samana - Asst. Machine

Operator (Bindery) 209 Lilly Gaya (Ms) - Office Assistant 1 210 Jane Sunguti (Ms) - Office Assistant 1 211 Christine Nzumbi Makaa (Ms) - Office Assistant 212 Eunice Rwamba Njiru (Ms) - Office Assistant 1

(Prod.) 213 Esnas Kinume Eliakim (Ms) - Office Assistant 214 Andrew Odewa - Office Assistant(Prod) 215 Bernard Osano - Office Assistant (Prod)

The Team!TRANSFORMATION


UTIANIYO MWEU WA

MWIYAI YESU KILISTO

Mathayo 1:1-2 Ivuku ya uko (usyaaniyo, usyawa) wa Yesu Kilisto, mwaana wa Ndeviti, mwaana wa Avalaamu. 2 Avalaamu amusyai-ye Isaka; na Isaka amusyaa Yakovo; na Yakovo amusyaa Yuta na anaainya make.

Maliko 10:13-16 Na mamweetee syaana nini, ni kana aikiite; indi amanyiswa mamakan’ya, mamavate. 14 Indi yila Yesu wooniye uu, niwathatiye na ameya, “Ekanai na syaana nini syuke kula nii, muti-kaisyiiyei. Kitumi nundu usumbi wa Mulungu ni wa ala matilyi tasyo. 15 Nimutavya wo ki, ula utekwosa usumbi wa Mulungu atilyi ta kaana kasanga, usu ndalika usumbini nongi.” 16 Na aikika na moko make, asiliila moko na asyaathima.

Luka 6:31 Na otondu mukwenda andu mamwikei, nenyu mekei owo.

Yowana 1:1-4 Vau mwambililyoni tene, Ndeto ai vo, na Ndeto ai vamwe na Mulungu, na Ndeto ai Mulungu. 2 Usu ai vau mwambili-ilyoni tene vamwe na Mulungu. 3 Syindu syoonthe nisyeethiiwe vo kwoondu wa kwisila kwake; na atevo, vatyi kindu nongi kyaaithiwa vo, kati wa ila syeethiiwe (syatwikithiswe). 4 Nthini wake vai thayu; na u thayu wai kyeni kya andu.

Uvuwan’yo 21:1-4 Na nooniye itu imbya (yeu) na nthi imbya (nzau), nundu itu ya mbee na nthi ya mbee nithelete, na ukanga nduvai. 2 Na noona ula musyi mutheu, Yelusaleme imbya (mweu), wutheete kuma Ituni vala ve Mulungu, wumbanitwe ta mutwawa mwanakavye kwoondu wa muume wake. 3 Na neewiye wasya munene kuma kivilani kya usumbi wukyasya, “Sisya, kutuwa kwa Mulungu kwi vala ve andu, na akatuwaa vamwe namo, na makatwika andu make, na Mulungu mwene akeethiawa vamwe namo, e Mulungu woo. 4 Na akavyaiya methoi oonthe kuma methoni moo, na kikwu kitikethiwa vo nongi, kana kumeta, kana kwiiya, na woo utikethiwa vo ona indii, nikwithiwa ala maundu ma mbee nimavitukite maathela.”

J. S. MBITI U

TIANIYO

MW

EU W

A MW

IYAI YESU K

ILISTO K

LB

UTIANIYO MWEUWA

MWIYAI YESU KILISTO The New Testament of the Lord Jesus Christ,

(in Kiikamba, translated from the Greek by)

Waalyulitwe Kiikamba Kuma Kiikiliki ni

Reverend Professor John S. Mbiti,

D.D.h.c., D.H.L.h.c., Dr.Theol.h.c., Ph.D.

KENYA LITERATURE BUREAU

Scholar and author John Mbiti has successfully translated the New Testament from

the original Greek to his native Kiikamba, becoming the first African to do so. The book was launched in March 2015 by the publisher, Kenya Literature Bureau, at Mulango Primary School in Kitui County.

A renowned theologian and canon at the Anglican Church, Prof Mbiti shared his experience working on the translation, a feat which took him close to 10 years to accomplish.

“I embarked on this project as a hobby, and as I enjoyed reading the Word of God, I found myself translating the Bible word for word from the original Greek to Kiikamba,” he said, thanking the sponsors for supporting its publication.

The Hon. Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, who was the chief

It was, therefore, befitting to unveil the Bible there as a motivation for pupils to work harder to bring their distant dreams closer.

KLB board members, Prof Jesse Mugambi and Robert Mbato, Corporate Services Manager, Job Idaki, Finance Manager, Francis Mutunga, Sales and Marketing Manager, Bernard Obura, Customer Service Centre Manager, Isaac Korir and Chief Editor - Business, Onesmus Nzamba attended the launch. Ms. Peninah Kilonzi, the County Education Executive represented the Governor of Kitui County.

Others were nominated Kitui County MCA, Hon. Mary Ndumbu and KLB Regional Sales Manager, Joel Okindo.

KLB Managing Director, Mrs Eve Obara, thanked the author and said the publisher strives to “promote local authorship and this Bible is a testament that KLB is still committed to the cause,” she said.

KLB donated books to schools in the area during the event.

Kiikamba Bible rises from original Greek

guest, thanked KLB “for the quality production of the Bible”.

Mulango is the school where Prof Mbiti did his elementary education.

Power of translation Prof. John Mbiti (second right) launched the Kiikamba Bible, which he translated from the original Greek, at his rural home in Mulango, Kitui County. It was the first translation by an African into his native language.

KLB Board member, Prof Jesse Mugambi, coordinated the project to its fruition

By Diana Olenja

BOOK LAUNCH


Kenya Literature Bureau has a rich past, making it a landmark in East Africa’s printing and publishing landscape. It traces its history to the pre-colonial

period when European missionaries landed at the East African coast. The small publishing units, started by missionaries, merged to form Ndia Kuu Press that published educational, religious and other literary material for Africans.

In 1947, the East African Literature Bureau was born as an offshoot of Ndia Kuu Press, to publish and print literary materials for Africans who were being prepared to take up jobs in the colonial government. Church Missionary Society’s (CMS), Charles Granston Richards served as the first director between 1948 and 1963. EALB, which operated under the East African Common Services Organisation ended with the collapse of the East African Community in 1977, when Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania shared and nationalised its assets. The Kenyan commission of EALB was then placed under the Ministry of Education as a department. It later transformed into a State Corporation after the passage of the Kenya Literature Bureau Act, CAP 209 of 1980.

At KLB, there are few members of staff who have served for more than 40 years. The few, have the historical memory of the journey from EALB to KLB. The Publisher’s Chris Okumu interviewed Michael Ondigo Mwalo, who was employed in 1972 and retired the end of 2014. Here are excerpts of the interview:

Question: When did you join the Bureau?Answer: I joined KLB on September 1, 1972 as a Commission Staff (casual employee) at a time when it was still East African Literature Bureau. After two years of service as a casual, I was employed as a temporary staff, a position that was renewable every three months. Later, I got a letter to work as an Oxicity Staff (what is now known as Subordinate Staff) with opportunities to travel to EALB branches in Uganda and Tanzania.

What was your first assignment at EALB?My first posting was to Room Basement 3, which was a warehouse cum store for journals, magazines, among other articles for print.

How big was the printing press at the time?We had a small printing press in Kenya, which could not cope with the huge workload. Therefore, most printed jobs came from our Tanzanian Printing Press, which was then dispatched from the Nairobi station to several destinations and government departments such as the East Africa Metrological Department, the East Africa Directorate of Civil Aviation, among others.

MWALOBook lover who served for

42 years at KLB

PROFILE

By Chris Okumu

Michael Mwalo retired in December 2014 after 42 years of service at the Bureau


Can you remember directors who served during your time at EALB?I remember N.G. Nguluku from Tanzania who served till collapse of the East African Community (EAC) and another from Uganda who left in 1972. At KLB, I have had the opportunity to serve under Rose Mwangi (1977–1980), Francis Muka (1980–1981), Zablon Kanaiya (1981–1983), Duncan Mwangi (January–September, 1984 and later October, 1984) and Agnes Ojany (September, 1984). Later, after the enactment and operationalisation of the Kenya Literature Bureau Act, 1980 Cap 209, we have had managing directors whom I have worked under including Mr Samuel Cheruiyot Lang’at (1984-2003), Hon. Mathew Adams Karauri (2003-2007) and now Mrs. Eve Obara.

What happened to EALB after collapse of the EAC?Following the collapse of EAC in 1977, the assets of the Bureau were divided among the three member countries. The Kenyan Commission (KLB) was to be merged with Jomo Kenyatta Foundation but this did not happen because JKF was formed as a charitable organisation. Therefore, some of our staff joined the ministry while others moved to Government Press. When this failed, the KLB Act, 1980 was enacted, established the Bureau as a State corporation under the Ministry of Education, then headed by Hon. Joseph Kamotho as Minister. Many functions, including procurement and salaries, were still handled by the Ministry.

What made you stay after EALB was dissolved?It was not an easy decision to make. There was pressure because many of my friends opted for re-deployment to the Ministry of Education, and the general thinking at the time was that KLB was going to collapse like East African Literature Bureau. I chose to remain after EALB collapsed because of my commitment and love for books. I was prepared to ‘go down with it’ but thank God KLB is still with us and stronger than anyone would have imagined.

How would you describe your experience working for KLB?In its formative years, KLB operations were scattered. The printing press was at Express Kenya Limited godowns next to the present day Mukuru Kwa Reuben slums in Industrial Area, Stores where printing papers were kept was at a building along Lusaka Road, while the Warehouse was located next to House of Manji along Enterprise Road. Life at Express Kenya godowns was difficult, we had no toilets and therefore used buckets to relieve ourselves, had our tea using plastic mugs and lunch was at people’s houses in the slums. A lot has changed since then, we are now housed in one compound in South C, complete with a modern staff canteen among other amenities. Mr Samuel Lang’at, our first Managing Director, had a dream of constructing our present day headquarters and he made it happen. This land was acquired in 1985 and by 1988, the first batch of operations had moved to South C.

During the re-organisation, I was moved to the Central Printing Section based at Express Kenya as a subordinate staff, assigned general cleaning duties at the workshop. After cleaning, I would go to the Bindery Section to train and learn machine operations. That is how I acquired the requisite skills and became an expert in operating the Folding and Senator (guillotine) machines. The experience has been great and fulfilling.

PROFILE

Kenya Literature Bureau headquarters in South C under construction on 12th May, 1989


You worked under different regimes, what would you say about them?“Kila mtu ana uzuri na ubaya wake.” (everyone has his/her own strengths and weaknesses). All the leaders I have worked under made a contribution to KLB’s growth. At least every director moved the Bureau an inch forward.

What was the most memorable event in your career?The most memorable event is the day we moved to our new headquarters in South C. Remember, I began working at Basement 3 in the East African Community building (current Milimani Law Courts) and later went to Industrial Area. It was, therefore, an achievement for all staff to be housed in one compound. I also remember the staff bus and van that were deployed to pick up and drop staff every morning and evening. We held events together and were more united. Canteen operations

at the time were managed internally by the Bureau, enabling staff to enjoy meals at subsidised cost. End-year parties were hosted in hotels, the last one being held at The Bomas of Kenya. These, among others, will remain cherished moments is my mind.

What advice would you give KLB staff?Ushauri wangu kwa vijana ni wafanye kazi kwa bidii (I advise

young people to embrace hard work). They should know that this is their shamba (farm) na wakiangusha hii shamba, kwisha (and they will suffer consequences if they let it collapse.

What next for you?I have attended the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA) training and the knowledge gained will help me succeed in farming and business.

Your parting shot?I wish all KLB staff God’s blessings as they carry on with the great work at the Bureau.

PROFILE

TOP: In 1951 EALB established bookshops, libraries and postal library service. John Ndegwa was the first African librarian in Kenya

FROM LEFT: Joel Koskei (21 years), Michael Mwalo (42 years) and Ben Oloo (39 years) were feted on their retirement

Michael Mwalo is visibly pleased after recieving a retirement gift from Makueni Governer Prof. Kivutha Kibwana (left)


A switch to modern technology, industry collaborations, worker motivation, right

skills, and management support have placed the Publishing Department on a firm growth path in the increasingly competitive book business sub-sector.

New technology has revolutionised book development at KLB, making processes easy and securing juicy returns for the clientele and the organisation seen in bigger deals, inimitable quality and fast turnaround of work.

Our technological success is more than robotics — putting a Word document into a page layout format, preparing a dummy, sending a camera-ready work to production for printing — but the job merges the publishing scenes with responsible citizenship that marks the best practice in the 21st century.

The acquisition of In-design Interactive Cloud technology has made user access to online assistance easy hence enhancing quality of book designs and final products.

Earlier, book development was long and tedious and required special skill. Anything less would be chaotic. Between 1940s and late 1970s, when the State publisher

By Mary Khasiani

Publishing desk turns the TECH PAGE

was still known as East African Literature Bureau, editorial staff relied on rudimentary technology that was manual, time-consuming and wasteful. However, KLB has grown from the monotype-publishing of the 1980s to bromides and Word processor technology of the 1990s. The processor would produce bromides with the text that is assembled by paste-up artists to form book pages. The manual assembling of pages sometimes took months to complete.

In recent years, KLB has invested in technology, shifting its book development process from Desktop publishing to Adobe Creative Suite which comes with great dynamism and high quality book designs.

PUBLISHING

Mrs Khasianiis the Publishing Manager

BELOW: KLB Assistant Publishing Manager, Kenneth Jumba (second right) with members of the Design Unit in the design studio


Typesetters can now use many typefaces, specify margins and justifications, and embed illustrations and graphics directly into text. They also have more control over typographical characteristics, such as kerning, and have more support for full-colour output. A particularly important software feature enables the typesetters and designers to see on the display screen how the document would appear in print.

Publishing Department is committed to promoting local authorship. Authors on subject panels represent diversity of communities, women and persons with disability. The targets are non-discrimination, equity, and protection of the marginalised in executing the projects.

Working with authors has seen the institution win local and international literary awards such as the Burt Award of Literature and Wahome Mutahi Prize of Literature. The rapport between the department and the authors helps them to meet market expectations,

PUBLISHING

drawing from a wide pool of old and new literary greats such as Okot p’Bitek, Prof Taban Lo Liyong, Argwings Otieno and David Maillu.

KLB collaborates with the regulator Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) to meet educational curriculum requirements. Its publications incorporate National values and principles, present readers with relevant content and use the right

Caleb Kadasia, the Head of Composing (Typesetting and Proof Reading) section in the publishing department at work in his office

WisdomThe key to successsful leadership today is

influence, not authority- Kenneth Blanchard -

Kenneth Hartley Blanchard (born May 6, 1939) is an American author and management expert. His The One Minute Manager series(co-authored with Spencer Johnson) has sold over 13 million copies and has been translated into 37 languages. He has co-authored over 30 other best-selling books.

language. The Department draws support

from the Managing Director’s office and benefits from its skilled staff, keeping it ahead of the pack in the local and regional markets.

The Publishing Desk is ready for digitisation of learning materials, a shift that will serve the market well. KLB has a portfolio of digital materials accessible on platforms like World Reader, e-Kitabu and Amazon.


Kenya Literature Bureau has acquired additional state-of-the-art equipment in its

press upgrade programme to meet the modern printing demands for quality and speed.

The modernisation plan that started five years ago has seen KLB acquire machines, including the full-colour KBA Rapida 105 printing press, two Aster sewing machines, a Computer-to-Plate (CTP) machine, a Print on Demand (POD) machine and a full set of test equipment for quality output.

The production department, which was established in 1947 by the defunct East African Literature Bureau (the precursor of KLB) operated on rotary letterpress

Mr Emojong is the Ag Production Manager

By Joseph Emojong

A cut above the rest in print and binding tech

PRODUCTION

machines. This however, has undergone transformation bringing on board new technology.

KLB can now run more than 15,000 sheets per hour. The two automatic book sewing machines (Aster 220 Sewing Machines) have improved book binding, thereby meeting strict delivery timelines for all jobs. It has also lengthened the lifespan of KLB books.

The CTP machine has improved print quality of coloured books and materials because of its direct imaging technology, thereby eliminating the use of films. It is environment-friendly as it does not use chemicals in its imaging process, thus enhancing the compliance of KLB to environmental regulations.

KBA Rapida 105 printing press

Aster 220 sewing machine

Print on Demand press

Computer-to-plate machine

These equipment have improved production, making turnaround time for delivery of out-of-stock products and institutional printing jobs from the counties, for example, to be excellent.

The POD press enables KLB to manage middle-level and large-scale printing to serve the present, emerging and future print jobs in the region. The publishing house has a full set of testing equipment including the Inkometer, Tensile Strength Tester, and Smoothness Tester, which are critical to managing quality from raw input to finish.

Growth of DepartmentThe production department develops in line with demand for product quality, trends and consumer preferences.

The department now has three distinct sections – Prepress, Printing and Bindery units that house sections like planning and estimation, engineering, digital printing and institutional printing.


the bestMENTORSHIP

Parents, teachers and local leaders have a special role to support children to

succeed in school. Kenya Literature Bureau managing director, Mrs Eve Obara, on July 14, 2015 during the Muruguru Girls High School prize giving day in Nyeri County, told the gathering that all should “embrace education and shape the perspective of our children.”

Noting the growing cases of arson, truancy and indiscipline in schools across the country, Mrs. Obara, who was the chief guest, challenged students to uphold good values and focus on education as it is the greatest equaliser. “Education equals success,” she quipped.

She also asked girls in the school to work hard to effectively compete with others across Kenya by striving to “be among the best in the country.” KLB donated books to the school.

Muruguru is a top County School that started as a Harambee school, built and managed by the community for local children and has grown over the years, becoming a recognised centre of learning in the region.

Nyeri Town MP, Esther Murugi, Assistant County Commissioner of Nyeri, Joshua Marete, chairman Nyeri County Education Board, Cannon Wilfred Gichuki, school principal, Esther Kirira among others attended the event.

How to get from school

TOP: Nyeri town MP Hon Esther Murugi (centre), KLB Managing Director, Eve Obara (third left)and members of the Board of Management of Muruguru Girls High School, Nyeri.

RIGHT: Muruguru Girls High School students recite a poem during their 2015 prize giving ceremony.

Nyeri town MP Hon Esther Murugi (centre), KLB Managing Director, Eve Obara (left) and the Principal of Muruguru Girls High School, Esther Kirira (second right) enjoy a folk dance with students.

By Joseph Ndegwa


MENTORSHIP

Two weeks earlier, Mrs Obara, as the chief guest during Ngara Girls annual prize giving day, challenged the school to improve its performance by embracing hard work, integrity, discipline, trustworthiness and trust in God. These, she said, are the magic keys to success.

“Try to live with honour, as society rewards those who adhere to moral and ethical principles,” she said.

She promised that KLB will partner with the school to stock their library with books. Starehe MP Maina Kamanda attended the event.

Ngara Girls whose principal is Nancy Mutai, is one of the pioneer colonial institutions of learning started in 1957 as an Asian mixed secondary school. The boys were later moved to present day Highway Secondary School in 1962 and it subsequently began admitting African students on the recommendations of the Ominde Commission in 1964.

Mrs. Vimala Chaudrey, the longest serving head of the school, who served for 19 years, retired in 1987 to pave the way for Lorna Ottaro, the first African headmistress of Ngara Girls.

The school has state-of-the-art boarding facilities, thanks to the efforts of parents, the Community Development Trust Fund (CDTF) and the school management, which renovated and turned the former A-level tuition blocks into dormitories.

Starehe MP, Hon Maina Kamanda speaking at the prize giving ceremony of Ngara Girls High School, Nairobi.

Ngara Girls High School Principal, Nancy Mutai (second right), receives books donated by KLB.

Ngara Girls High School Principal, Nancy Mutai (centre), receives wall maps among other educational materials donated by KLB.


E - LEARNING

Among other reasons, the government’s plan for technology-aided learning,

widely known as the school laptops project for Class One pupils, is the indisputable affirmation that e-learning is a key pillar in Kenya’s educational ideals and goals.

In June 2015, the Government launched the Digital Literacy Programme and allocated Sh17 billion in the current financial year for buying computing devices for primary school pupils.

Picking the cue from the initiative, Kenya Literature Bureau has developed e-books to feed into the plan, enabling Kenyan children to access quality e-content with in-built multimedia functionalities.

KLB has signed partnerships with various firms, such as the Worldreader, Amazon.com and eKitabu to provide digital content to learners online. At the Worldreader, (an online bookstore) KLB has its titles, covering different subjects in the curriculum.

In April 2015, KLB partnered

with the Worldreader to donate more than 7,000 e-books to Mama Sarah Obama Community Library in Kogelo, Siaya County. The digital books, loaded in 35 e-readers, each containing 200 titles, were delivered together with textbooks and project management training from the Worldreader.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, KLB managing director, Mrs Eve Obara, asked stakeholders to take education a notch higher and challenged the learners to love books in order to gain and enhance their knowledge and skills. Mrs Obara promised KLB’s continued

KLB donates E-Books to MAMA SARAH OBAMA LIBRARY

Mama Sarah Obama (centre) is flanked by KLB Managing Director, Mrs Eve Obara and Worldreader President, David Risher, among others during the launch of the Sarah Obama Digital Library in Kogelo, Siaya County.

support for community literacy programs.

Mama Sarah Obama, the grandmother of the US President, Barack Obama, established a library and a Worldreader e-reading program in September, 2014 out of recognition of e-readers as critical educational tools for children in school.

The launch held at Senator Obama K’ogelo Secondary School in Nyang’oma was attended by Worldreader President and Co-founder, David Risher, Mama Sarah Obama, Siaya County Executive Committee member for Education,

By Joseph Ndegwa


E - LEARNING

Children reading an E-book during the launch of Mama Sarah Obama Digital library.

RIGHT: Worldreader President and Co-founder, David Risher giving a speech during the launch of Mama Sarah Digital Library, where he donated 35 e-readers.

BELOW: Worldreader Research and Operations director, Zev Lowe (third right) and Regional manager, Muthoni Muhunyo (fourth left) together with the KLB team during a recent visit to the Bureau’s headquarters.

Youth Affairs, Gender and Social Services, Pamela Okello, KLB e-books chief editor Kulamo Bullo, senior communications officer, Joseph Ndegwa, Program manager for Sauti Kuu Foundation, Wachuka Njuguna, local leaders, parents and teachers from neighbouring schools.

Meanwhile, KLB is enhancing its partnership with the Worldreader in supply and selling of e-content. On April 29, 2015 Worldreader operations director, Zev Lowe and the regional manager based in Nairobi, Muthoni Muhunyo, visited KLB’s offices in South C and agreed a deal where the publisher will now receive more up-to-date sales performance reports and enhanced visibility of its brand on their online platforms.


white Great Wall television set in my rural home, which was covered in a tinted screen to give the illusion of colour. I was amazed by the big screen that a few years ago was a dream come true when I won a free entry ticket for a 3D movie experience at 20th Century Fox Cinema. The experience was great because unlike before, when I would fast forward the previews at the Great Wall TV set, this time, I let my eyes feed on the motions and sounds of the movie.

It was so vivid that many times I tried to duck what I thought were missiles coming my way in the action-packed movie. 7D with its interactive shooting gallery in a state-of-the-art digital theatre with in-built surround sound system was enthralling. The general experience was exciting, it has created a longing for more and I look forward to the coming innovations.

My big screen experiences illustrate the importance of creating memorable experiences for customers. As a leader in publishing and printing, KLB is giving value to its customers through top customer care services and quality products. This is enhanced through seamless service, trust, courtesy, attentiveness and innovation.

In an ever-changing and fast-paced corporate environment, where alternatives are

widespread, customer experience is getting firmly rooted as one of the most important elements of business success.

According to the Walker Report titled Customers 2020, customer experience will overtake product and price as the key brand differentiator by 2020. Fatima Sullivan, the Vice President of Customer Services for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa says “If the customer is not the key focus of all activities, whether it is improvements in delivery times or query resolution processes, efforts are wasted. Customers know what they want, and how they want it. You just need to listen to them.”

Joseph Ndegwa, the Senior Communications Officer at Kenya Literature Bureau, says customers want to engage with companies that cannot only provide a service, but are able to tailor-make solutions and respond quickly to changing demands.

“All organisations need an insane customer-centric culture. Delighting customers at every opportunity is key to business success,” he says emphasising the importance of customer experience in building a positive brand reputation and brand loyalty.

Two decades ago, I had a rare movie theatre experience at Nairobi Cinema. I was new in the city and my nearest experience of motion picture was the black and

Customer experience

KLB seeks to provide top customer experience by meeting client demands within minimum turnaround times. It does this through prompt resolutions of customer concerns and proactive communication thereby ensuring seamless service is delivered.

“You can have the best customer feedback tools, but it takes excellent customer service for a business to thrive,” concludes Ndegwa.

Secondly, cultivating trust among customers is important in service excellence. At best, under-promise and over-deliver because a satisfied customer is likely to earn the company references and more business.

Third is attentiveness. Listening is not just about hearing, it’s about understanding what is really being said. The tone of voice and customer’s mood enable one to evaluate if the customer is delighted, disappointed, angry or frustrated. There is no written script to handle a riled customer, just be sensitive to their concerns and seek to provide solutions to their problems, ensuring they do not recur. Customers should also be able to easily access the escalation channels – to track the right person to assist.

The fourth element is innovation. Companies with excellent customer service also give their representatives some leeway so that they can come up with creative solutions on their own. Finally, courtesy is important in winning the trust of the customer. It takes nothing to say, “I’m sorry you aren’t satisfied and I hope we can do something to correct this.”

By Isaac Korir

Mr Korir is the manager, Customer Service Centre - Kijabe street

DRIVES FUTURE BUSINESS

CUSTOMER SERVICE


A new collective Bargaining agreement (CBA) has been signed between

Kenya Literature Bureau and the unionisable employees, through the Kenya Union of Printing, Publishing, Paper Manufacturer’s, Pulp and Packaging Industries (KUPPRIPUPA), following three months of negotiations.

The agreement, which was signed on April 9, 2015 in the presence of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) chairman and secretary general of KUPPRIPUPA, Rajab Mwondi and the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) Senior Industrial Relations Officer, Moses Ombokh, paves the way for a 19 per cent increase in salaries and other benefits covering two years from July 2015.

The CBA raised basic salary by 19 per cent. While the medical clause remained unchanged, transport allowance rose by Sh450 to 4,500

Union workers get salary raise in new CBAper month, while leave travelling allowance is Sh5.50 per kilometre in the new agreement. Per diem allowances will be as per the revised SRC rates.

According to the KLB chief shop steward, James Aseta, the commuter allowance will “cushion employees from the rising cost of public transport.”

While thanking the union, the MD said, “all of us have done a great job to ensure this agreement is achieved and we are all happy. I look forward to working together and having a continued fruitful relationship with the union.”

According to Mr Mwondi, the chairman of COTU, both KUPPRIPUPA and KLB have “enjoyed a long standing relationship of successful collective bargaining agreements in the last decade.”

Mrs Obara commended the negotiating team for their contributions to the agreement. “I

thank the union representatives and management team for the critical role played in modelling of this CBA,” the MD said.

Mr Aseta thanked the management for the success of the negotiations and recognised a “continued partnership that has ensured industrial harmony over the years.”

Present at the signing ceremony at KLB headquarters were Publishing manager, Mary Khasiani, Finance manager, Francis Mutunga, Sales and Marketing manager, Bernard Obura, Corporate Services manager, Job Idaki, Customer Service manager, Isaac Korir, Acting Human Resources Manager, Roselyn Mugavana, Legal Services manager, Bernard Milewa, Acting Production manager, Joseph Emojong and KUPPRIPUPA deputy secretary general, Isaac Wamboye.

KLB Union was represented by Mr James Aseta and Francis Mithika.

KLB Managing Director Mrs Eve Obara (left), signs a new pay plan with COTU Chairman and KUPPRIPUPA secretary-general, Mr Rajab Mwondi, as Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) industrial relations officer, Moses Ombokh (centre), witnesses.

PAY DEAL


ENVIRONMENT

Global warming is perceived as a major threat to the world’s population, according to

Pew Research Centre. A clergyman at the Church of England says the Earth would “vomit us out” because man has defiled it. The theological image of the ongoing debate on global warming is found in the book of Leviticus where God says: “I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass; and your strength shall be spent in vain; for your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruit.”

Political leaders, environmental lobbies, corporate bodies and individuals have equally expressed concern at the increased rate of

environmental degradation. This is the reason Kenya Literature Bureau is in the business of reclaiming the environment through tree planting and sponsoring eco-initiatives. Trees provide food, oxygen, paper and energy when used as wood fuel. They enhance the quality of life and provides shelter to a variety of animals, birds and insects.

In June 2015, KLB participated in the World Environment Day celebrations at Maasai Girls High School in Narok County, where the Ministry of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rallied individuals, groups and organisations to sustainably exploit and live within the planet’s resources.

“We are all owners, users and

protectors of the environment,” said Environment Cabinet Secretary, Prof Judy Wakhungu, who was the chief guest. She reiterated the Government’s commitment to address climate change, promising to “continue pushing the country’s agenda in global negotiations.”

She said Kenya will continue working with international partners to ensure the county’s interest is protected at the global environment summit. The CS noted that the National Environment Policy has been reviewed to enhance efficiency in management of the environment. “Once enacted, the regulations will outline roles each stakeholder plays in ensuring proper systems

KLB scales up

By Jackson Musau Aldal Girls High School students reciting a poem at the World Wetlands Day celebrations in Aldai, Nandi County

environmental conservation campaign


ENVIRONMENT

of environmental management are implemented,” said Prof Wakhungu.

“I call upon institutions of higher learning to undertake more innovative research aimed at producing practical solutions to local environmental challenges as appropriate and affordable technologies,” she added, asking students to take up active roles in environmental issues.

Earlier, KLB had sponsored the World Environment Day’s celebrations on February 2, 2015 at Atebwo Primary School in Koyo Location, Kaptumo Division of Aldai Constituency, Nandi County. The event, themed: Managing Wetlands, Our Future saw leaders speak against environmentally threatening activities and the Eucalyptus tree, which, according to County Commissioner Matilda Sakwa, should be removed because it “sucks water and is a danger to our wetlands.”

“The discharge of herbicides from our farms to wetlands is a growing danger to human life,” said Matilda. Her sentiments were supported by former Speaker of the National Assembly, Noah Arap Ngeny, who decried the changing climate of the region, noting that “there is a complete overload of wetlands in the region” due to excessive farming activities. He recalled a time when Kenyans referred to the region as “God’s bath place” due to its wetness, which has now changed, with rain falling months apart.

Ngeny, who is a trained climatologist, warned that “Nandi will be a water scarce county in the next 10 years if water catchment areas are not protected.” NEMA director general Prof Godfrey

Wahungu assured locals that the environmental protection lobby is “working closely with the National Land Commission to identify, rehabilitate and protect wetlands in the region.”

The World Wetlands Day event was graced by then KWS director, William Kiprono, Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) chairman, Hon Peter Kiilu, Nandi County Governor, Cleophas Lagat, Deputy Governor, Dominic Biwott, County Commissioner, Matilda Sakwa, deputy County Commissioner, David Chuma, NEMA director-general, Prof Godfrey Wahungu and Board chairman, Maluki Mwendwa. Senior Communications officer, Joseph Ndegwa and Jared Ochola represented KLB.

KLB has for the last three years sponsored tree planting campaigns in schools across the country. In February and March, KLB sponsored the World Wetlands Day celebration in Kapsabet, Nandi County and planted 2,500 trees at Kiptewit Boys Secondary School in Kericho County respectively. Quality Assurance manager, Jackson Musau, Regional Sales manager – South Rift, Justine

Koech, Warehouse officer in-charge, Gideon Mjambili, Nelson Rotich, Doris Kabira and William Matutu participated in the event.

KLB was appreciated for its commitment to environmental conservation and tackling the problem of climate change in all the events, which provided opportunities to showcase best practices and technologies in conservation.

Nandi County Governor, Cleophas Lagat planted a tree at Atebwo Primary School to commemorate the World Wetlands Day.

Students from Kiptewit Boys High School planting trees to conserve the environment


SUPPLY CHAIN

Procurement has played a key role in Kenya Literature Bureau’s growth and adoption

of new technologies over the years to become a printing and publishing powerhouse in the region.

Its Supply Chain Unit has effectively co-ordinated and collaborated with partners – suppliers, third-party service providers and customers – to enable KLB achieve its objectives. By developing a comprehensive procurement plan in line with the legal provisions, KLB has achieved good corporate governance, earning presidential recognition of the third-best run and most consistent State Corporation in performance contracting.

In the spirit of Uwazi, KLB procurement is now online and can be accessed from the government’s IFMIS link and from the Public Procurement Oversight Authority (PPOA) online portal.

This is an improvement from what it was eight years ago, when business was manual from stock management to order processing. Approvals took a lot of time to obtain and hurt operations and revenue.

KLB chose the path of technology to correct flaws and improve efficiency. It assessed its internal processes to eliminate those that had higher propensity for waste,

Higher revenues, fast response and opportunities

for youth, women and persons with disability key

focus areas

PROCUREMENT AUTOMATION GIVES

KLB AN EDGE

Mr. Cheruiyot is the Supply Chain Manager

By aligning the sourcing strategy to the overall business strategy, KLB is adequately using its resources with its eyes trained on cost reduction and management. It has taken a shift towards low cost sourcing, framework contracting and negotiations where applicable for win-win solutions with suppliers of critical goods. Strategic sourcing has also allowed internal customers to participate in decision-making, reducing the total cost of training, ownership-operating system, maintenance, warehousing, among others.

The Supply Chain Unit manages KLB inventory by continually monitoring trends to come up with re-order levels, quantities and supply lead times. Constant review of these levels, forecasting and planning has enabled the Bureau to maintain its lead in the market, meeting market demands for its products.

KLB has set aside the minimum 30 per cent allocation of tenders for youth, women and persons with disability-owned enterprises in line with the presidential directive on affirmative action in public tenders. The Bureau is supporting vulnerable groups to engage in entrepreneurship according to the Public Procurement and Disposal Preference and Reservations Amendment Regulations, 2013.

culminating in the acquisition of the ERP ACCPAC, an information system that has reduced errors, improved turnaround times and accountability.

By Phillip Cheruiyot


SALES & MARKETING

In the past five years, Kenya Literature Bureau’s Sales and Marketing brigade has been

on a roll, setting new and higher yearly targets and exceeding them, reaching a sales turnover of Sh1.7 billion in the 2014/15 financial year.

This growth has also seen the publisher’s market share grow to 70 per cent in the secondary school segment and 36 percent in the primary school segment.

Superior customer service, innovation, quality products and management are the four cornerstones upon which KLB’s success is built.

In 2010, KLB became the first indigenous publisher to launch e-books with local content. They are retailing in eKitabu, Amazon.com and Worldreader, giving the company a global reach. Within the region, KLB has published the Uganda Curriculum books with great growth promise.

In keeping with the changing

Sales and marketing

out the Alpha Workbook Series for Early Childhood Education (ECDE), Alpha Diploma ECDE Series, reviewed course books and workbooks for all levels, Distinction PTE series for primary students and teachers, an Atlas with a Teacher’s Guide, Top Mark Questions and

Answers series for both primary and secondary school levels (to complement Top Mark Revision series), an Active Learning Atlas for primary and secondary schools and nine Wall Maps and Inflatable Globe which are essential in Geography studies. These, among others, have made learning easy and fun.

In 2011, KLB launched training seminars for bookshop attendants, who are the key personnel in the book trade process as often they determine purchase decisions of walk-in clients.

More than 300 attendants in Meru, Nakuru, Machakos, Kakamega, Kisumu, Uasin Gishu, Mombasa, Embu, Nyeri, Kisii and Nakuru counties have been trained in customer care.

The Bookseller of the Year Award is a reward scheme by KLB that honours top performers in book sales regionally and Nationally. The award, which is unrivalled in the region, fosters a rapport between KLB and booksellers.

reloadedbusiness environment, KLB has increased the number of sales staff, expanding from seven regional sales managers in 2007 to 12 supported by 11 temporary sales representatives in 2015. There are 90 contract sales representatives who conduct regular visits to schools besides holding teacher seminars in the regions.

Teacher SeminarsThe team has reached more than 30,400 schools and conducted more than 1,000 teacher seminars on curriculum delivery countrywide for primary and secondary school teachers. This has enhanced the close partnership between KLB, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and teachers whose learners benefit from quality learning materials.

The department also works closely with KLB editors, providing critical inputs that lead to production of high quality content and products. Recently, KLB rolled

By Bernard Obura

Mr. Obura is the Sales and Marketing Manager

KLB exhibition stand at the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads 40th National Association Conference at Wild Waters Park, Mombasa


PICTURE SPEAK1

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1. Samuel Kinuthia of the PC Secretariat (left) and KLB Managing Director, Mrs Eve Obara sign the 2015-2016 performance contracting targets as Finance Manager (and KLB PC coordinator), Francis Mutunga looks on. 2. Integrated Human Dynamics CEO, Dr Ray Laferla (second left), Equip Africa Institute’s Consulting Head of Research, Cosmas Mwangi (second right) and Business Development Executive, Beatrice Akinyi Ondago (right) with KLB Corporate Services Manager, Job Idaki (left) and Marketing Manager, Bernard Obura (standing) during a consultative meeting at KLB headquarters. 3. Mater Hospital Matron, Maria Ngui (second right), receives a Kshs 100,000 cheque towards the Mater Heart Run from KLB Managing Director, Eve Obara(left).Present are Human Resources Manager, Roselyne Mugavana and Customer Service Assistant, Doris Kabira(right). 4. KLB Production Manager, Joseph Emojong (right) explains the book production process to the CEO of Tsehai Publishers-Ethiopia, Elias Wondimu (centre). KLB Sales & Marketing Manager, Bernard Obura looks on. 5. Teachers and Board members of Senghani high school, Tala Kangundo with members of KLB management. 6. KLB board

member, Prof Jesse Mugambi issues copies of the Kikamba Bible to the management of Scott Christian University in Machakos during a public lecture held at the institution in August, 2015 where he was the guest speaker. 7. From Left: KLB Sales & Marketing Manager, Bernard Obura, CEO of Bytes Technology Group-South Africa, Rob Abraham, KLB Publishing Manager, Mary Khasiani, the Vice President of Xerox-Europe & Africa, Mark Duffelen, Ag Human Resources Manager, Roselyne Mugavana and Alice Ngiri of Xerox, East Africa. 8. Eveready Managing Director, Jackson Mutua (left), receives books from KLB staff - Quality Assurance Manager, Jackson Musau (right), Public Relations Manager, Diana Olenja (second right) and Warehouse Officer I, Gideon Mjambili. 9. KLB Sales & Marketing Manager, Bernard Obura (right), presents a literature pack to renowned scholar and author Prof John Mbiti duirng the launch of the Kikamba Bible at St Pauls University, Limuru. 10. KLB booksellers workshop on Effective Customer Care Management held on 19th August, 2015 at The Reef Hotel, Mombasa. 11. KLB staff members after their successful completion of the Occupational Health and Safety Workshop held in February, 2015.


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Meet the team - Kenya Literature Bureau

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